Pakistan’s final Champions Trophy group match against Bangladesh was abandoned due to rain, leaving the hosts with no wins and placing them last in Group A. Both captains expressed disappointment over the cancellation, reflecting on the poor performance of their teams throughout the tournament. India and New Zealand advanced to the semi-finals, while Pakistan faced significant criticism for their lack of success in their first major tournament in decades.
Pakistan’s final group encounter in the Champions Trophy against Bangladesh was abandoned due to rain, leaving the hosts at the bottom of Group A without a single match victory. The rain disruption effectively ended Pakistan’s title defense in what was their first major tournament in three decades, following previous losses to New Zealand and India. With both teams already out of semi-final contention, the match held no implications beyond pride for either side.
Pakistan finished at the bottom, earning just one point, while Bangladesh also achieved the same point total but had a superior net run-rate, placing them slightly higher. Skipper Mohammad Rizwan expressed disappointment at the team’s performance, stating, “The expectations were very high but we didn’t perform well and it is disappointing for us.” Rizwan vowed to improve through hard work in future competitions.
Similarly, Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto conveyed his frustration over the weather preventing their final match, emphasizing the team’s desire to conclude the tournament positively. Despite the abandonment, the teams were hopeful for future opportunities to improve their standings in international cricket. Meanwhile, India and New Zealand secured their places in the semi-finals from Group A, while in Group B, South Africa, Australia, and Afghanistan vie for the remaining spots with England already eliminated.
The abandonment of the Pakistan-Bangladesh match marked a disheartening end to Pakistan’s Champions Trophy campaign, where they finished last in Group A without any wins. Both captains reflected on their disappointment regarding their team’s performances and the missed opportunity to play. The outcome signifies a need for rebuilding as they look forward to future competitions.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
